Sustainable Plant Systems (Seminar)

Abstract

Participants will be able to discuss and understand sustainability in the context of plant science research. A special focus will be on research on agro-ecological systems and farming system research.

Objective

Key objectives for the seminar are that (1) participants will be able to discuss issues of sustainability in the context of current plant science research topics (2) participants will be able to phrase their own visions for sustainability in plant sciences, their group work topic and their own MSc or PhD project.

Content

Future demand in agricultural output is supposed to match the needs of 9-billion people with less input of resources. We will discuss current plant science research in the context of sustainability on the production side. Thematic areas of the seminar include: 1 | Biotic interactions 2 | Nutrient management 3 | Plant breeding 4 | Global change A special focus will be on research on agro-ecological systems and farming system research. Can we transform our agricultural practices and move behind existing paradigms to develop innovative and sustainable agriculture production systems? Where does current research indicate on directions for transformation of current practice and how can we assess and analyze them though research? The course will be organized with two workshops (half days, 14:00 - 18:00) and an intensive, well-structured self-study/ group work phase in between the workshops. Online learning material in provided. More information: https://www.plantsciences.uzh.ch/en/teaching/masters/intplantsci.html

Resources